The No. 12/6 Marquette women's soccer team (3-0-1) faces a tough test as it travels to Durham, N.C. to compete in the Duke/Nike Classic Friday and Sunday. The Golden Eagles will face No. 18/12 North Carolina on Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT before taking on No. 4/2 Duke on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m. CT.

Friday marks the fourth all-time meeting between Marquette and North Carolina (2-1-1) and the Golden Eagles have yet to pick up a victory. The last meeting between the squads was Sept. 6, 2009 when the Tarheels earned a 1-0 victory. On Aug. 31, UNC defeated Connecticut 1-0.

This will be just the third meeting between MU and Duke (4-1-0) on Sunday. The Golden Eagles own the series edge, 1-0-1 and have not metsince Sept. 2, 2006 where the squads finished in a 0-0 draw. On Sept. 2, the Blue Devils shutout Washington State in a 4-0 victory.

Both matches of the Duke/Nike Classic will be broadcast live by David Tukesbrey of Marquette Student Radio on WMUR.

Last Time Out: Marquette recorded another shutout, but could not claim a victory as the Golden Eagles played to a 0-0 draw with Central Michigan on Labor Day. MU outshot the Chippewas 22-7, including 11 shots on goal that were not converted. The Golden Eagles also had a 12-2 edge in corner kicks. 11 different Golden Eagles attempted a shot on Monday.

Miller Earns BIG EAST Honors: Senior midfielder Ally Miller was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 3. Against Northwestern, Miller scored a goal, which proved to be the game winner in a 2-0 victory. She also anchored MU's defense, which allowed zero goals and just five total shots.

Defense, Defense: The Golden Eagles have not allowed a goal this season and are out-shooting their opponents, 81-17. Just four of the opponent shots have been on goal. MU also owns a 34-4 edge in corner kicks over opponents. Marquette is taking 20.2 shots per game, while allowing opponents to take just 4.2 shots per contest.

In Goal: In her first season as a starter, sophomore goalkeeper Sofie Schunk has not allowed a goal in four matches. She has tallied 380 minutes of action and has four saves in the net.

Sloan Returns: Senior Rachael Sloan is back in 2012 for her final season as a Golden Eagle after missing 2011 due to injury. Sloan is a two-time first team All-BIG EAST member and has already made a mark on MU this season. Sloan has two goals for the season and four points in four matches.

Oh Canada: Junior midfielder Vanessa Legault-Cordisco returns to the Golden Eagles squad after playing for the Canada in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Japan. Canada defeated Argentina 6-0 in its opening match, but dropped consecutive matches to end its time in the tournament. Legault-Cordisco played in all three matches and racked up 220 minutes of playing time.

Miller, Kelly Earn Preseason Accolades: Senior Ally Miller has been named the Preseason BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and was also named preseason all-league in a survey of the conference's head coaches. Kelly joined Miller on the squad and was also tabbed to the 2012 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. Miller was named All-BIG EAST Third Team in 2011 while Kelly garnered first team accolades.

Miller Watch: Senior Ally Miller has been named to the Soccer America Preseason All-American squad. She is one of five defenders earning the preseason honors. The Mequon, Wis., native has started 63 of the 66 career matches in which she has played and has helped lead Marquette to three-straight division championships and NCAA appearances. She owns three career goals and has helped anchor one of the top defensive units in the nation during her tenure.

Up Next: MU has three road contests on its slate. The Golden Eagles play at Duke on Sunday, Sept. 9 and will play at Pittsburgh on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. CT.